Second Treatise on Civil Government

Definition

The Second Treatise on Civil Government is a foundational text written by John Locke in 1689 that outlines his theories on natural rights, the social contract, and the role of government. It asserts that individuals have inherent rights to life, liberty, and property, which governments must protect, forming the basis for modern democratic principles and the understanding of limited government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Locke's Second Treatise is significant because it influenced many Enlightenment thinkers and laid the groundwork for modern democracy.
2. The text argues that if a government fails to protect the natural rights of its citizens, they have the right to revolt and establish a new government.
3. Locke emphasizes the idea of property rights, claiming that individuals have the right to acquire and control their own property as a fundamental aspect of freedom.
4. The work promotes the concept of a limited government, where power is separated and balanced to prevent tyranny.
5. The Second Treatise had a profound impact on the framers of the U.S. Constitution, especially in terms of ideas related to individual liberties and checks on governmental power.

Review Questions

• How does Locke's idea of natural rights influence the development of democratic principles?
  • Locke's idea of natural rights asserts that every individual has inherent rights to life, liberty, and property. This notion became a cornerstone for democratic principles by emphasizing that governments exist to protect these rights. If a government fails in this duty, citizens have not only the right but also the obligation to change it. Therefore, Locke's theories helped shape democratic ideals focused on individual rights and government accountability.
• Discuss how Locke's concept of the social contract differs from other political philosophies of his time.
  • Locke's concept of the social contract differs from other political philosophies, such as those proposed by Hobbes, which emphasized absolute monarchy and a strong central authority. While Hobbes viewed the social contract as a means to escape a chaotic state of nature through surrendering all rights to a sovereign power, Locke believed in mutual agreement among free individuals to form a government that respects their natural rights. This perspective laid a foundation for limited government and individual freedoms that were less prevalent in earlier theories.
• Evaluate the implications of Locke's 'consent of the governed' principle on contemporary governance structures.
  • Locke's 'consent of the governed' principle has significant implications for contemporary governance structures as it establishes legitimacy based on popular sovereignty. In modern democracies, this principle asserts that governments must derive their authority from the consent of their citizens through fair elections and representation. It influences democratic practices by ensuring that leaders are accountable to the people and must act in their interests. This framework continues to guide debates around civil rights, governmental accountability, and citizen participation in shaping policies.

Related terms

Natural Rights:

Rights that individuals are born with and cannot be taken away, including life, liberty, and property.

Social Contract:

An agreement among individuals to form a government that protects their natural rights in exchange for some degree of personal freedom.

Consent of the Governed: The principle that government derives its authority from the consent of the people it governs, emphasizing the importance of democratic participation.